Rural Road Safety Month – Fatigue
Driving long stretches across Wentworth Shire is part of daily life, but long shifts, early starts, and repetitive open roads take a quiet toll behind the wheel.
August is Rural Road Safety Month, and this week the focus is on driver fatigue. Tired driving is far more dangerous than most people realise—fatigue-related crashes are almost three times as likely to be fatal compared to crashes where fatigue isn’t a factor.
It’s easy to assume fatigue only affects tourists on long road trips, but local context tells a different story: 83% of all fatal crashes on NSW country roads involve local country residents. Exhaustion sneaks up on everyday commutes and familiar routes, leading to micro-sleeps, slowed reaction times, and reduced alertness.
Recognising the early warning signs—heavy eyes, frequent yawning, or failing to remember the last few kilometres—can save your life. Driver fatigue can’t be fixed by turning up the radio or opening a window.
Steps to prevent fatigue on country roads:
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Plan rest breaks: Stop for a 15-minute break every two hours on long trips.
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Recognise the signs: If you feel drowsy, pull over in a safe location or switch drivers immediately.
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Prioritise sleep: Avoid embarking on long drives after a full working day or without a full night’s rest.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Rest before you hit the road, take breaks when needed, and help ensure everyone arrives home safely.
For more information and resources, visit the NSW Government’s Centre for Road Safety website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety
Rural Road Safety Month – NSW Country Roads
Driving across Wentworth Shire comes with unique risks, and knowing a road like the back of your hand doesn’t make anyone immune to danger.
August is Rural Road Safety Month, and Week 1 focuses on NSW Country Roads. Did you know that 83% of all fatal crashes on NSW country roads involve local residents? That’s 4 out of 5 fatal crashes involving country locals. It’s easy to feel safe on familiar stretches, but overconfidence behind the wheel can cost lives.
Speeding isn’t just about driving well over the posted limit—it’s also about driving too fast for local conditions like dirt, gravel, rain, or glare. Lowering speed gives drivers crucial seconds to react to unexpected hazards around the bend, whether it’s livestock, potholes, or farm machinery.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so drivers are urged to check their speed this week and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
For more information and resources, visit the NSW Government’s Centre for Road Safety website: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety
Shared Path Construction – Cadell Street, Wentworth
SHARED PATH CONSTRUCTION – CADELL STREET, WENTWORTH
Dates: Monday 17 August – Sunday 6 November
Location: Cadell Street, Wentworth
Construction will commence on a new 2.1-metre-wide shared concrete path along Cadell Street, Wentworth. This project will provide safe pedestrian and cyclist access directly to Junction Park.
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Traffic control will be active for the duration of the works.
Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are requested to follow on-site signage, adhere to temporary speed limits, and obey instructions from traffic controllers. Property access for residents will be maintained throughout construction, though minor delays may occur.
Road users are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when travelling through these work zones.
C22 – Is this your cat?
How to Claim:
If you believe this is your cat, or if you have information regarding the owner, please contact Wentworth Shire Council directly on (03) 5027 5027.
Please note: Satisfactory proof of ownership will be required prior to the animal’s release.
D24 – Is this your dog?
How to Claim:
If you believe this is your dog, or if you have information regarding the owner, please contact Wentworth Shire Council directly on (03) 5027 5027.
Please note: Satisfactory proof of ownership will be required prior to the animal’s release.
